Orlando, Florida Quaint and Quiet Restaurants

From the Tiny Cafes to Very Fine Dining

S H
If you're looking for some low-key and/or eclectic places to eat, there are a plethora of them scattered throughout the Orlando area - you just have to know where to look. Here are some of the best, whether you have a lot to spend or just want a cheap, quiet eat.

Cafe Madrid

4502 Curry Ford Rd.

Open Monday - Friday 11 AM - 9:30 PM, Saturday 12 PM - 9:30 PM, and Sunday 12 PM - 9 PM

This secluded restaurant tucked away in a strip mall corner specializes in delicious Spanish cuisine, but with original recipes from "all over the Hispanic world." Also offered are more traditional meals found more commonly in America.

The atmosphere is very quiet and relaxed, with friendly and attentive service that try their best to accommodate your needs and pace. If you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant where you can relax for as long as you wish without breaking your wallet (prices range between $9 and $15), Cafe Madrid may just be the place for you.

Harp & Celt Restaurant - http://www.harpandcelt.com/TheHarp.html

25 S. Magnolia Avenue

Restaurant is open Monday - Friday 11 AM - 2 PM, Friday - Saturday 6 PM - 10 PM
Pub is open Monday - Sunday 11 AM - 2 AM

This Irish restaurant is an extremely valuable contribution to fine dining in Orlando. Attached to but separate from its pub, where most Irish-titled restaurants are loud and bustling, the Harp and Celt provide a quiet, romantic atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy your delicious meal. The rustic dining area adds to this mood.

Traditional Irish meals are offered here, with many other options as well. No matter what your budget, there is something here for everyone, with food costs from $4 - $26.

Aside from the excellent food and lovely environment, the service is great! The friendly staff do their best to stay on top of things without hovering over your table.

As a perk, there is a parking garage directly behind the building, making it quick and easy to park and go inside.

Greens & Grille - http://www.greensandgrille.com/content_gng/

4104 Millenia Blvd.

Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM

As a very casual and unique dining experience, Greens and Grille is mainly a salad bar that also offers purely organically grown salad greens and no trans fats or preservatives in their other ingredients. Sandwiches are available as well, with some of the finest bread from the Old Hearth bakery. Wines and beers are also available, with an all-natural and organic children's menu. Prices start at about $6.

Relaxing is the atmosphere, the perfect spot to bring a book or your laptop and enjoy their free wireless internet.

Added bonuses include the option to call your order in ahead of time and skip the line when you arrive, and the Frequent Diner's Card (for special discounts) that returning customers get.

New Punjab Indian Restaurant
- http://punjabindianrestaurant.com/

7451 International Dr.

Open Monday 5 PM - 11 PM, Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 11 PM

One of the last few "real" Indian punjab places to be found, this establishment embraces great cultural food (with some vegetarian selections as well) while providing a simple, quiet environment. The service is as authentic as the food, providing a nice family atmosphere with a friendly, quick-to-serve staff. Prices for meals range between $10 and $17 with many smaller, lower-cost selections as well.

This restaurant also has a lunch buffet, every Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

The Melting Pot - http://meltingpot.com/locations.aspx

7549 W. Sand Lake Rd.

One of the more pricier places on the list, The Melting Pot is one of the most unique dining experiences you will ever have. In a very quaint atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic night out, this restaurant specializes in fondue. There are many different selections and combinations for different prices, including many fixed-price menus for couples, that range anywhere from $16 for the simpler cheese fondues to $58 - $90 for a full 4-course fondue experience.

Also offered are many types of delicious dessert fondues, a huge selection of wines and cocktails, and more. If you plan on taking on this place, be sure to have at least 3 hours time to spare on your meal.

Reservations in advance are a must.

Published by S H

I have always loved to write and finally decided to venture into freelancing. Aside from writing, I love to read, take photographs, and listen to music.  View profile

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